More localised drug treatment urged

The clustering of drug-treatment centres and homelessness services in Dublin city centre is contributing to antisocial behaviour in the capital, according to a new report unveiled today.

The Better City for All report concluded problematic drug users should have greater access to treatment options nationally, with more local services available closer to people's homes.

The report was produced by a response group involving 11 agencies dealing with substance abuse and antisocial behaviour, including the Ana Liffey Drug Project, An Garda Síochána, Dublin City Business Improvement District, Dublin Simon Community and local drugs task forces.

The group recommended gardaí be given powers to deal with street dealing of prescription drugs such as benzodiazepines and z-hypnotic sedatives such as zimmovane.

They also supported recent recommendations made by Professor Michael Farrell and Professor Joe Barry in the report on the opioid treatment protocol, which called for an increase in the number of level 2 GPs who could provide methadone substitution treatment locally. Level 2 GPs are trained to offer the full range of treatment services to opiate-dependent patients.